CHAPEL HILL - Top-ranked North Carolina (3-0) scored five times in the first 3:57 of the game and set a school record with 18 first-half goals, cruising past Canisius, 24-6, on Wednesday afternoon at Fetzer Field. The Tar Heels tied the school record for goals in a game, set against Longwood on April 15, 2007.

Twelve different Tar Heels scored goals in the victory, led by five from freshman Carly Reed. Sophomore Aly Messinger had four goals and an assist and Abbey Friend had three goals and three assists. Sydney Holman finished with two goals and two assists, Lindsay Scott had a goal and two assists and Taylor George scored three times.

The Tar Heels got single goals from Molly Hendrick, Maggie Bill, Devin Markison and Carly Davis, with Hendrick adding an assist. Eileen Giles and Maddie Zeigler each scored the first goals of their collegiate careers. Juniors Sam McGee and Morgan Rubin each had single assists for UNC.

The Golden Griffins were led by two goals from Tori Greco, a goal and an assist from Taylor Giglio and two assists from Ashley Bull. Megan Cuddy, Tori Quinn and Caroline Ogden added single goals for Canisius.

Megan Ward started in goal for Carolina and picked up her third win of the season, allowing five first-half goals. Freshman Caylee Waters played a strong second half, making seven saves and allowing just one goal as the Tar Heel defense played well in front of her.

The Tar Heels scored five times within the first four minutes of the contest and quickly put the game out of reach with 10 goals by the 17:19 mark. Carolina ripped off five consecutive scores in less than five minutes midway through the first half to build a dominant, 15-3 lead. UNC's 18 first-half goals are a UNC record, and the Tar Heels led 18-5 at the break.

The Carolina defense stiffened in the final 30 minutes, allowing just one more goal while the Tar Heel backups controlled the offensive end for a 24-6 final margin of victory.

UNC out-shot Canisius, 38-17, and won 21 draws to the Golden Griffin's 11.

Carolina will return to action on Saturday at 11 a.m. against Vanderbilt at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill.